Meet Liberal Studies Alumni Chad Behbehani

Individualized Major: Hospital Administration

Minor in Biology, Concentrations in Business and Philosophy (Ethics)

Graduation year: 2017

Next Steps: MSHA (Master of Science in Health Administration) and MPH (Master of Public Health) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

How did your Individualized Major through the Liberal Studies Program prepare you for your next steps after graduation?

It gave me the necessary knowledge that the University's standard majors could not afford me to move on in my professional career. 

Most memorable class you took as an undergrad? Why?

Philosophy 580 (Bioethics Controversies) with Stephen Hanson. This was my first time taking a high level philosophy course and I have never enjoyed being challenged as much as I was in that class. 

What is the most thrilling or adventurous thing you've ever done?

During my time in Hong Kong, I traveled to Macau to spend a night playing blackjack at the Venetian.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you're committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.

My mentor that the Board of Overseers paired me with, Mr. David Gray, that serves as the CEO of Baptist Health East in Louisville. He inspired me to continue studying healthcare and work to make meaningful changes in a field that so desperately needs it. One of the biggest lessons he taught me was to do whatever it takes, no matter what your job title is, to help the organization you work for. He would regularly pick up trash in the hospital even when it wasn't his job. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

Watching NBA Highlights over and over. 

Advice for current Individualized Majors?

If you have the room in your schedule, take courses that are unrelated to your major. The different disciplines I was able to explore offered me some of the most valuable knowledge college gave me.